Paul Gauguin Stuck in Bora Bora Because of Propulsion Issue

The Paul Gauguin cruise ship has been stuck in Bora Bora for the past several days due to propulsion issue, which interrupted vessel's Society Island itinerary but did not affect ship services for passengers.

The issue is due to electronic cards related to the propulsion system, the company said in a statement. A service engineer from France joined Paul Gauguin yesterday.

During the wait, the ship has been running tender service to and from Vaitape, as well as to the line's private beach, the line said. The company has also arranged more shore excursions and provided a complimentary one for each passenger.

Once the ship gets going, it will head to Tahaa Island, Paul Gauguin Cruises' private island off the coast of Taha'a. It was slated to arrive today morning to spend the day before departing for Moorea at 5 p.m. The ship will be in Moorea Thursday and Friday before departing for Papeete, Tahiti, on August 19. It is expected to arrive at 7:30 p.m. and to overnight as scheduled. The cruise concludes on August 20.

Skipped ports include Rangiroa and Fakarava on Tuamotus. The company says it will announce a compensation plan for passengers after the technical issue is resolved and the total impact on the itinerary has been determined.